Back in October, Accuweather.com was telling the northeastern dwellers to brace for a winter that would show its ugly side early and often. Thanks to the snow-heavy Halloween weekend snowstorm that hit two weeks after Accuweather posted that story, it looked as though the forecast was credible. Plattekill opened for a day; snowbunnies delighted.
Then it was a sunny 55 degrees on Thanksgiving. Snowbunnies removed their snow pants and pouted.
At last, all four major ski areas will be open this weekend; Hunter, Belleayre and Windham are, to varying degrees, open now and ready for the weekend. While the 5-day forecast doesn't call for snow, temperatures aren't expected to get above freezing.
Belleayre Mountain
Trails open: Three, including Rail Park (double black diamond-rated)
Lifts open: Two
Snowmaking: Ongoing, 6-12" in the last 24 hours
*Discovery and Overlook lodges are open.
Hunter Mountain
Trails open: Six, including Hellgate (black diamond-rated)
Lifts open: One
Snowmaking: Temporarily suspended, expected to resume shortly, more terrain to be available this weekend
*Check out Hunter's webcam, if you just can't wait for the weekend.
Plattekill Mountain
Snowmaking: Ongoing
*Expected to open Saturday, December 17.
Windham Mountain
Trails open: Nine, including The Wall and Upper Wolverine (both double black diamond-rated)
Lifts open: Three
Snowmaking: Ongoing
Check out our This Weekend section for more cold-weather fun.
